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John James Obituary
John Van Cleve James died peacefully at his home in Seattle on Monday, February 27, 2017 at the age of 75.
John was born on February 2, 1942 to Leroy Marshall ("Bud") James and Margaret Van Cleve James in Exeter, California, the second of their two children.
John graduated from Exeter Union High School in 1959 and went on to attend the University of Oregon, majoring in History. After receiving his B.A. in 1964, he went on to complete Masters Degrees in the teaching of history and in librarianship.
John taught history at various secondary schools in Oregon before moving to Seattle in 1975 to work at Shoreline Community College in the capacity of Technical Services and Research Librarian. He served the college for thirty plus years, working with students, faculty, staff, administration, and the community to help the college meet its complex and challenging mission. His patience and diplomacy were key characteristics of his tenure at Shoreline.
John was very active in the faculty union, putting its goals for the faculty as a whole above those of any individual. While serving on the Executive Board of the union, he actively promoted political and social activities on campus which helped inform the community about the fundamental importance of education. He also chaired the Federation's Committee on Political Education (COPE) which advocated working with the state legislature in funding higher education at the state level.
It was at Shoreline Community College that John met the love of his life, Phyllis Topham, a fellow faculty member on campus. John and Phyllis married on August 26, 2000. They shared a wonderful life together, both of them committed to family, friendships, and their careers in higher education. Before retiring himself in 2004, John and Phyllis took over the faculty's retirement party where the union and college celebrated the life achievements of fellow educators. John lost his beloved wife to ovarian cancer on January 9, 2014.
John was also preceded in death by two half-brother, Richard Marshall James and George Franklin James. He is survived by his step-children: Christian Becker (Dana) and Tamara Becker, his sister Margaret Kavounas (Edmond), half-sister Louise Greene, numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews, and his devoted dog, Scruffy.
One of John's great passions was to share his love of American classic films and popular music of the 30's and 40's. He taught numerous classes, before and after his retirement from Shoreline, for the Creative Retirement Institute at Edmond's Community College. His courses, which attracted an enthusiastic and loyal following, included different motion picture genres and musical styles within the context of contemporary American history.
In addition, John and Phyllis hosted many "movie nights" for friends and neighbors at their home in Seattle, often featuring the films of Alfred Hitchcock. The only regrettable instance, as John related, was when they hosted a viewing of Hitchcock's "The Birds" prior to serving a turkey dinner for Thanksgiving.
Even more memorable to those closest to him was the fact that John was an unabashed aficionado of the music of Bing Crosby. There is no one in his family who can listen to Bing's rendition of "White Christmas" without thinking of their beloved "Uncle John".
A memorial service for John Van Cleve James will be held at St. Stephens Episcopal Church chapel, 4805 NE 45th St., Seattle, on Friday, March 31st at 3:00 p.m. with a reception following in the parish hall.
Donations in remembrance of John James can be made to Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance and Prostate Cancer Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John James
Sponsored by The Family.
4 Entries
Steve Bogart
April 27, 2024
It's been seven years since John died, but I think about him often. We often met for pizza and an old movie. I miss him a lot.
Dennis Schaffer
September 22, 2017
This is very late, but I was a friend of John's. I met him in 1981 when I began teaching at Shoreline College, as we were both interested in the union, politics and jazz.
John and Phyllis and Ginny and I went to various jazz performances and also shared in many dinners, dinner parties, and visits to restaurants. How can I go to the Wedgewood Diner and not think of John?
I miss John as well as Phyllis tremendously. While we only saw each other a few times per year, our visits were always fun and timely and substantive. I wish his family the best as you go into the future.
Kim Thompson
March 15, 2017
There were so many things to admire about John. He was a kind and gentle soul, but not without reflection and keen insight on the forces that impacted our college community over the years. He offered some of the most astute commentary I heard as our community grew and transformed itself. Maybe it was the historian or perhaps the librarian in him but he had perspective that kept the good of the whole at the forefront of any conversation. The campus could roil around him (and sometimes did) but he would stay steady and true to his sense of things and to our greater purpose.
John embodied a kind of erudite ethical character that was the best of the academy. Both he and Phyllis could be counted on to support others and to speak their minds in constructive ways. He was very kind to me personally, as a student, as a young faculty member and as a new administrator John always let you know that he saw you - wherever you were on your journey. He also encouraged people to grow in a gentle but persuasive way. He challenged me to think beyond myself while I was in the tenure process and his quiet strength was always an example to follow.
I don't know what happens when someone passes from this earth, but I like to imagine John and Phyllis in conversation with history's great filmmakers and producers, discussing choices, reflecting, laughing and just holding each others hands - again.
John, we were lucky you were one of us, we were more thoughtful because you gently challenged us, and better because you were here. Thank you for everything.
Karen Kreutzer
March 10, 2017
I will miss John's gentle strength and support. He was always there for me when I needed someone.
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